Frequently Asked Questions

Are you currently taking new clients?

Extraordinary Canines is currently not taking new clients for personal training. If you have a behaviour challenge with your dog or otherwise are looking for 1-on-1 dog training you are welcome to contact me for a recommendation or check out the BCSPCA’s AnimalKind accredited trainers.

If you’re looking for group classes please see the class registration page.

 

How old should my puppy be to start training? I was told to wait til my puppy finishes his vaccinations, but your classes say they only need their first set of vaccinations.

The short answer is as soon as possible: one week following their first vaccinations (~9 weeks old).

Extraordinary Canines follows the latest evidence on puppy socialization and development as well as the recommendations from The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) on puppy socialization classes which is to start puppies with socialization classes as early as it is safe to do so: one week after their first vaccinations.

With developing puppies we need to balance health risks with behaviour risks. The primary socialization window in puppies is between 3 – 12 weeks old. A reputable rescue or breeder will have already begun socialization. Puppies that are not adequately and ongoingly socialized before 12 weeks old are at higher risk of developing behaviour issues like fear/anxiety/aggression and also being relinquished to a rescue or shelter. The most common cause of death in dogs under the age of 2 is behaviour euthanasia not disease. So, while we absolutely need to be careful with our puppies before they are fully vaccinated we also need to ensure they are getting socialization opportunities in safe environments to mitigate risks of behavioural problems as much as possible.

The Extraordinary Canines’ training facility is disinfected with a veterinary grade cleaner that is effective against common diseases, including canine parvovirus, before every Puppy Elements class and all families must provide proof that their puppy has received, at minimum, one set of vaccinations. 

High risk areas for disease must be avoided with your puppy until they are fully vaccinated (~16 weeks old). High risk areas include the dog park, dog daycare, the ground at the pet store and any other areas frequented by unknown dogs.

Ideally your puppy should start classes before 12 weeks. The puppies that start classes at 9 or 10 weeks old usually benefit most from classes compared to puppies that start later. Puppies that do not start classes until after 12 weeks old, especially those over 14 weeks old, typically have a much more challenging time participating in the various socialization activities in our Puppy Elements classes and may have already begun to develop some fear and anxiety. 

 Read the full Puppy Socialization Position Statement from the AVSAB to learn more.

Still don’t have an answer?